NATO Raises Concerns Over Russia’s New Nuclear-Capable Missile

NATO officials are expressing significant concern regarding Russia’s latest cruise missile, the Burevestnik, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall. This missile reportedly has a range of up to 5,500 kilometres and can be armed with various types of warheads, including nuclear. According to Western intelligence assessments, the Burevestnik is nearing operational readiness, which could pose a serious threat to European security.

The Burevestnik is characterized by its ability to remain airborne for extended periods and evade existing defense systems. A classified NATO document, as reported by Die Welt, indicates that this nuclear-powered missile could exacerbate existing security challenges for the alliance. The document highlights the missile’s impressive speed, exceeding 900 kilometres per hour, along with its high maneuverability and potential for launch from mobile platforms.

This adaptability allows the Burevestnik to take indirect routes that could bypass NATO air defenses, making it a particularly alarming addition to Russia’s arsenal. NATO’s assessment notes that the “existing challenges” faced by member states would be significantly heightened by the missile’s extreme range and agility.

Technical Specifications and Implications

The standout feature of the Burevestnik is its nuclear reactor, which provides it with an almost unlimited operational range compared to traditional cruise missiles that rely on conventional fuels. This means the missile can theoretically travel tens of thousands of kilometres without needing to refuel, allowing for prolonged missions and the ability to change course to target locations from multiple angles. This capability also includes the potential to operate in areas with minimal surveillance, such as southern and polar regions.

Nevertheless, some experts caution that the Burevestnik does not achieve hypersonic speeds, which may render it vulnerable during extended flight times. Additionally, NATO is closely monitoring another Russian missile, the SS-X-28 Oreshnik, which was first tested in Ukraine in November 2024. This weapon further complicates NATO’s defensive posture, with concerns about its range and potential nuclear capabilities.

Belarus is set to deploy the Russian Oreshnik missile in December 2024, according to a statement from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The deployment, reported by the Russian news agency Tass, is described as a direct response to escalating tensions with Western nations.

Nuclear Submarines and Strategic Risks

The NATO document also highlights the strategic challenges posed by Russia’s Poseidon submarines, expected to become operational by 2030. These submarines are designed for deep-water operations, making them difficult to detect and potentially capable of targeting coastal cities and naval bases in the United States, the UK, and France. Currently, NATO lacks the necessary anti-submarine capabilities to effectively counter the Poseidon threat.

While some analysts are skeptical about the Burevestnik’s effectiveness, citing risks such as the potential for catastrophic accidents during launch or flight, others underline the serious implications of its deployment. Fabian Hoffmann, a research associate at the Oslo Nuclear Project, described the Burevestnik as “useless and superfluous” despite its technical specifications. He noted past incidents, including a 2019 test that resulted in fatalities among Russian scientists and a subsequent rise in local radiation levels.

Concerns remain about the inherent dangers of combining a nuclear reactor with a missile system. According to William Alberque, a Senior Associate at the Pacific Forum and former NATO arms-control director, if the Burevestnik were to be struck during launch, it could release radioactive material, posing a significant risk akin to a “mini Chernobyl in the sky.”

As NATO continues to evaluate these developments, the alliance faces a growing challenge in addressing the evolving landscape of Russian military capabilities, particularly in the realm of nuclear weaponry. The implications of these advancements are likely to resonate across Europe and beyond, shaping defense strategies in the years to come.